5 Steps to Prepare for Your Container Delivery

by Tori Smiley October 1, 2024

Container delivery day is coming! A little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to make delivery quick, safe, and stress-free.

1) Pick the Right Spot

Firm ground: Gravel, asphalt, or concrete is ideal. If we're putting it straight on grass that's fine, as long as it hasn't rained. Trucks and trailers will get stuck in soft ground.
Level ground: Container doors are easiest to operate if the container is flat and level.
Corner pads: If using blocks, have material ready for the four corners (e.g., 18" pieces of treated 6×6 or solid 3" concrete blocks).

2) Check Access & Clearances

Width: Truck requires a 13 ft wide, clear path (drive + gate).
Height: Trucks are ~13'6" tall; when tilting a container off, we may need up to 16–18 ft clear (watch for tree branches & power lines).
Clear approach:
- 20' trailer: ~125 ft of straight ahead space.
- 40' trailer: ~150 ft of straight ahead space.
Turning room: Wide swing needed at gates/driveways. If it looks tight, send us a quick phone video beforehand.

3) Mind the Overhead & Underground

Utilities: Identify overhead power/cable lines and low tree limbs along the path and at the drop spot.
Buried systems: Avoid setting on or having us drive over septic tanks, leach fields, culverts, or shallow lines.
Mark hazards: Cones/flags help the driver see edges and drop location.

4) Permits, HOAs & Neighbors

Check rules early: If a permit is required, it’s far cheaper to know before we arrive. Review local/HOA guidelines for temporary or permanent placement.
Neighbor access: If the truck needs to briefly enter a neighbor’s space, please speak with them in advance—we’ll need their written approval/signature.

5) Safety on Delivery Day

Clear the area: Keep kids, pets, and bystanders well away from the truck and tilt zone.
Have a decision-maker on site: Quick decisions = quick setup.
Keep your phone on: Drivers call when they’re headed your way.